MONTEBELLO >> For the last four years, the effort to build a Cultural Arts Center has bogged down, but now City Council members are ready to get the project moving again.

Last week, the City Council voted to re-create a blue-ribbon committee to provide advice on the center that would be built on the Taylor Rancho property, located at 737 Montebello Blvd.

“Let’s make this a reality,” said Councilman Bill Molinari. “I think we’ve waited a long time to make this happen.”

Although the council approved plans four years ago and had access to bond money, the project since has been delayed.

Two abandoned oil wells were discovered and had to be excavated and filled in so they wouldn’t pose a danger, said Michael Huntley, director of planning and community development. So far, about $1.5 million has already been spent on the project.

Another problem occurred when the state eliminated redevelopment agencies, taking away – at least temporarily – access to about $4.7 million that still remains from the redevelopment bond that was sold in 2009.

However, city officials believe they eventually will get the use of that money and they want to be ready with plans.

A first step will be to recreate the committee, Molinari said.

‘I think this committee was very valuable in the original planning of the Taylor Ranch facility,” he said.

However, it’s been four years, and a new committee is needed to take another look, Molinari said.

“They will help with the final design,” said Norma Salinas, senior project manager for the city.

Salinas said she also would like to establish a docent-type program for the center.

Council members each will appoint two members to the committee. Mayor Christina Cortez asked each council member to have appointments at the next council meeting on Sept. 11.